Sixth Form enrichment guide

NOTTINGHAM GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL Experts in educating girls from 4-18 years Leading. Learning. Loving it.

Sixth Form Enrichment Guide

2015 - 2016

INTRODUCTION TO OUR ENRICHMENT GUIDE Studying at Nottingham Girls’ High School is about much more than academic success. It is especially important in the Sixth Form that girls have a range of activities outside the classroom. These give opportunities for them to have fun, stay fit, stretch their minds and give something back to our community. I hope that all our Sixth Form students will become involved in one or more activities outside the classroom; this booklet, addressed to them, paints a picture of the range of opportunities available.

One of the benefits of being in the Sixth Form of a school is the opportunity to develop leadership skills through activities run for younger pupils whilst also participating in enrichment areas designed specifically for the Sixth Form. Some students may think that leadership is for others and not for them. I believe that everyone can learn to lead. Participating in a leadership role can help students to: • • • • • •

believe they can make a difference increase their confidence in themselves improve the way they communicate with others understand the dynamics of human behaviour a little better give something to their community cultivate their initiative

It is my hope that every Sixth Form student will thoroughly enjoy her Sixth Form courses here, and that, whatever she is studying, she will make the most of the opportunities available to her here, both to have fun and to stretch herself.

Mrs Susan M Gorham Head

JOINING IN WITH OTHER YEAR GROUPS

All year groups ARCHERY

Autumn Monday after school (first half term) Grass field by the Sports hall Summer term Not just for Robin Hood! Come along and see if you can hit the target!

Talk to: Miss Lynn All year groups Starting November tbc ART BLOGGERS after half term South Studio Love art? Got an opinion? Fancy a job in journalism or art? If so then be an Art Blogger! Let everyone know what you think about art and exciting projects that are happening in school. This isn’t just about opinions it’s about researching info, setting up pages, finding art games / how to do tutorials / work sheets / photographing current work, finding interesting images of other artists and lots more.

Max number 6 Talk to: Miss Fruin All year groups Summer term tbc ATHLETICS The sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in the sky - that can only mean one thing! Summer time athletics! Improve your times and distances or try a new event. Beginners or budding Olympians are welcome.

Talk to: PE staff

All year groups Autumn and Spring terms BADMINTON Have a go at the second most popular sport in the world (bet you didn’t know that!) and send those shuttlecocks soaring!

Talk to: PE staff All year groups CALM CLUB Talk to: Miss Davies

Spring and Summer terms

tbc

All year groups All year Wednesday CHOIR Hall Jessica Ellen Cornish began singing in her school choir. No idea who she is? Try Jessie J!!

Hit the right note and join the school choir. Have fun with friends and possibly take your first steps towards a professional career! But remember... it’s not about the money, money…!

Talk to: Mrs Hales All year groups All year Thursday CONCERT BAND Hall Fabulous at flute? Terrific at the trumpet? If you are grade 3 in any wind or brass instrument then come along, have fun and make new friends.

Talk to: Mr Browne Years 10 to 13 All year Various DIVERSITY GROUPS Support our work to celebrate and raise awareness of diversity in school, in the UK and around the world. Creative minds and caring people wanted to work on planning, publicising and delivering events and activities throughout the year. Meetings roughly every month; other involvement as necessary on an event-by-event basis.

Talk to: Miss Furness / Mrs Harvey All year groups Starting November Wednesday DRAMA CLUB after half term Drama Studio Develop your improvisation skills, explore emotions, create pieces and improve your confidence.

Drama club is the place to be yourself and have lots of laughs. All abilities welcome.

Talk to: Miss Oakley / Mrs Lake

All year groups All year Various days and times DRAMA AND MUSIC Hall / Drama Studio PRODUCTIONS Lights, camera, action! From singing to acting, to stage management to costume design and lighting. Whatever your talents; if you are interested in the Performing Arts come along and join the fun!

The Snow Queen drama production (February) HMS Pinafore (Musical - March) Fuse: Creative Showcase (Summer) Talk to: Mrs Nicklin / Mrs Lawson / Miss Oakley / Mrs Lake / Mr Lumb All year groups DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Summer term

Thursday (Week A only) 1.45 - 2.30pm Graphics / Textiles Room Do you want to capture that special moment? Do you have an eye for the unusual? Come and learn more at digital photography club.

Talk to: Mr Martin

All year groups All year EQUESTRIAN Have you got a pony? Would you like to share in the fun of competing in events around the country? If so, join our successful equestrian team!

Talk to: Mrs Jephson All year groups All year Friday lunch FIREPIT FRIDAY Upnah Wood Cooking food, singing, good times every Friday (apart from exams). Limited numbers. A different year group each week, check with Miss Lynn.

Talk to: Miss Lynn All year groups All year Tuesday 1.45 - 2.45pm FLUTE CHOIR MH11 All flute players are invited to join the flute choir for ensemble pieces and performances.

Talk to: Mrs Quine All year groups All year Thursday 2.00-2.30 GLEE CLUB Music House Love singing? Love musicals, pop songs, Disney? Come along for a fun singing session. You don’t need to be able to read music either. What could be better?.

Talk to: Miss Nicklin / Mrs Flewitt

Year 9 upwards All year Monday 1.45pm GREEK CLUB C1 Have fun learning Classical Greek and more about Greek culture and how it has impacted on our lives. Learn Classical Greek, the language of Plato and the Greek dramatists. If you enjoy Latin and are confident with the grammar, this is the club for you.

Talk to: Dr Henshaw All year groups All year various HOUSE ACTIVITIES Lots of House activities held throughout the year including House Busters, Houses have Talent, Weakest Link, House Debating, Choral Speaking, Easter Eggstravaganza, Cookie Quiz, sporting competitions and the Alternative Sports Day and Picnic.

Talk to: House Captains / Heads of House All year groups Autumn and Spring terms Thursday 4.00 - 5.00pm JOINT CHOIR NHS Music Department Show the boys how it’s done by joining the Joint Choir! Take the chance to work in harmony with boys from Nottingham High School and create the perfect pitch together!

Talk to: Mrs Hales All year groups All year Friday 2.00 - 2.40pm KNIT AND NATTER Library Knitting club is open to pupils of all ages and ability. It doesn’t matter whether you’re already a keen knitter or whether you’ve never picked up a pair of knitting needles in your life - all are welcome!

At knitting club you’ll be inspired to create lots of knitted items; such as scarves, hats, phone covers and even knitted chicks at Easter. It’s also a great opportunity to relax and make new friends. So come along to Knit and Natter where you’ll create lots of beautiful things and get the chance to do some serious nattering!

Talk to: Miss Lewis All year groups All year Monday 1.45 - 2.15pm MANGA CLUB Library Classroom Into Manga novels, drawing and Anime or want to learn more? Learn from the Manga experts of this Japanese phenomenon.

Talk to: Ms Broomfield All year groups Autumn and tbc NETBALL Spring terms Have you set your sights on being the Centre or flying down the wing? Fancy being Shooter or keeping the goal safe from attack? Join over 20 million people around the world and play one of England’s oldest sports at lunch time.

Talk to: PE staff

All year groups All year OUTDOOR LEARNING Contact Miss Lynn for exact dates throughout the year.

Talk to: Miss Lynn

Monday lunch Upnah Wood

Years 8 - 13 All year Friday QUIZZERS Library Classroom Do you see yourself as an NGHS Egghead? Do you want to be on University challenge? How fast can you be on the buzzer? Come and test your knowledge.

Talk to: Ms Broomfield All year groups Book With Miss Lynn ROCK CLIMBING Climbing Wall Two or more can book a slot in one of your free periods. Book by emailing J.Lynn@not.gdst.net Talk to: Miss Lynn All year groups All year RUNNING Find out about your personal race pace and reward yourself with a Mo Bot! Talk to: PE staff / Mrs Lewis

Tuesday

All year groups All year Tuesday 1.45 - 2.45pm SENIOR ORCHESTRA Senior Hall If you are highly proficient in your instrument (grade 5 level) and want to take part in concerts with similar ability, committed instrumentalists, then Senior Orchestra is for you.

Talk to: Mrs Nicklin SWIMMING All year Swimming teams which enter local and national competitions.

Talk to: PE staff

FOCUSSED ON THE SIXTH FORM These opportunities are specifically aimed at Sixth Form students. Mrs Flewitt and Mrs Handford-Smith will be pleased to hear from you if you would like to suggest another society or activity which is not mentioned here.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD All year Various (GOLD) Mud, sweat and tears! All in a day’s work on the Duke of Edinburgh awards! Have the best time of your life with Miss Lynn planning, and completing a range of activities from expeditions to community service and improving your skills. Once you get on the Duke of Edinburgh path, you’ll never look back! Further information is available from Miss Lynn and www.dofe.org Talk to: Miss Lynn ECO TEAM All year Friday lunchtime If you have a belief that you can make a difference to the environment and want to help make positive changes then get on board with the eco team. Join with like-minded people and let’s save the world!

Talk to: The Biology department / Sorrel Lyall ENTERPRISE CHALLENGE

Spring Term

Each Sixth Form tutor group is given £20 with the challenge to use it to “make” more money. All profits go to the Sixth Form’s chosen charity.

This is run every two years.

Talk to: Mrs Flewitt / your Tutor

GUEST SPEAKERS All year Hear it from the horse’s mouth with exciting and engaging lectures and workshops from a whole host of experts from leading universities and global and national businesses. Emails containing details of university based lectures available to girls are emailed out throughout the year.

Talk to: Mrs Flewitt, Mrs Handford-Smith, Mrs Hansford and Dr Henshaw NATIONAL COUNCIL OF All year Various YOUNG WOMEN Our school is linked with the National Council of Women, an organisation that promotes equality of opportunity for women. ALL SIXTH FORM STUDENTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY MEMBERS AND WILL RECEIVE EMAIL UPDATES FROM NCW VIA MS DAVIS. NCW discusses issues affecting women and lobbies governments to change policies. Keen to hear young women’s views, the National Council of Young Women was established and our school was one of the first to participate in an intergenerational seminar. If you want to get more involved, then join the inschool NCYW group.

Each term, the NCYW group meets to discuss and debate issues, sending our views to NCW committee. Issues such as the law on forced marriages; balancing career and family life; and the media’s role in stereotyping were hotly debated. We take part in events with other schools: our seminar last year included students from Bulwell Academy, Friesland School (Sandiacre) and Meden School (Warsop).

We meet twice a term, on a lunchtime.

Events planned this year are: • 15 students to attend the NCYW event at the Bulwell Academy, Nottingham, joining students from other schools and NCYW delegates to discuss issues affecting girls and young women • Intergenerational seminar at NGHS - 10 students. All day event. (March) • NCYW event at another school in the summer term.

Talk to: Miss Davis NGHS DEBATING SOCIETY All year Various ‘The ayes have it! The ayes have it!’ Join the sixth form run debating society to take part in discussions on a range of controversial topics and improve your persuasion skills.

Talk to: Miss Davis / Miss Hutchings LEARNER COACHES COURSE

5 week course then all year

5 week course begins Monday 14 September Philipps House Meeting Room Would you like to become a good listener and know how to ask the questions that really matter?

Are you trustworthy, honest and open? Use this course to hone your communication and questioning skills before working with a lower school ‘coachee’ to help make a huge difference to someone else’s learning and learn a lot about yourself too.

Talk to: Miss Dunn

YOUNG ENTERPRISE September - May (selection process) Do you believe that you are creative, logical, a good listener, pragmatic, decisive, reflective or even a strong leader? Could you a help to turn a business from zero to hero in only 6 months?

If you want to face a challenge like you have never known before, then apply to be part of the Young Enterprise programme and compete against other schools across the country.

Talk to: Mrs Handford-Smith

WORKING WITH YOUNGER YEAR GROUPS Running a club for younger pupils allows them to have fun and hopefully you will enjoy developing your leadership skills as you do so. If you don’t think you want to commit yourself to running something all year, why not offer to run something for a fixed period - half a term of six weeks, say. If in doubt, have a chat with a member of staff about it.

AFTER SCHOOL ASSISTANT All Year (selection process) This paid role gives you the chance to help with the after-school club for Junior School girls.

This includes helping to: • provide a varied range of enjoyable activities • organise the practical aspects of the club - the room, equipment, games and refreshments • receive parents at the Junior School reception desk • Assistants are appointed by competitive interview in the spring of each year.

Talk to: Mrs Gray All year groups Autumn first half of term 1 October to 15 October BIG DRAW South Studio Be part of a National Competition and participate in creating the schools biggest Art project yet. Come and make art work inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Keep an eye on the Art board for details.

Max number 6 Talk to: Miss Fruin

Year 8 All year Dates throughout the year ARTS AWARD (BRONZE Various AND SILVER) If you love any aspect of the arts then choose to support Year 8 in the Arts Award project this year. You must be flexible, open and able to give supportive advice to younger girls about how they can move their arts projects forward. You may need to help with ideas, planning and organisation.

Talk to: Miss Oakley / Mrs Lawson All year groups All year Monday 1.45 - 2.15pm BOOK CLUB Library Classroom 2 volunteers per term / half term Take on a leadership role in book club and help younger girls explore new genres and challenge the perceptions about novels of your choice.

Talk to: Ms Broomfield All year groups Summer term Thursday 1.45 - 2.30pm DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY Graphics / Textiles Room If you are an experienced photographer and have the knowledge and expertise to support other students, then volunteer to provide leadership at Digital Photography.

Talk to: Mr Martin All year groups Starting November Wednesday 1.45 - 2.30pm DRAMA CLUB after half term Drama Studio Help the younger girls to build confidence and expression through drama.

Talk to: Miss Oakley / Mrs Lake Years 7 to 9 All year Friday lunchtime JUNIOR ECO TEAMS M8 If you have a belief that you can make a difference to the environment and want to help make positive changes then get on board with the eco team. Join with like-minded people and let’s save the world!

Talk to: Miss O’Brien / Sorrel Lyall ENRICHMENT DAYS All year Various Each year we run a variety of days for Year 5 and Year 10 pupils from other schools, giving opportunities for you to help teaching staff provide a varied and fun occasion for the visiting participants. The girls always leave enthused. This is open to anyone in the Sixth Form with patience and enthusiasm.

Talk to: Miss Taylor

Years 8 and 9 Autumn term Wednesday FOOD ’CAKE’ CLUB Food Room Supervise and support Year 8 and 9 girls in enhancing their culinary skills. If you’re lucky they might even let you have a bite!

Talk to: Mr Ellis Year 9 upwards All year Monday 1.45pm GREEK CLUB C1 If you love Latin and Greek culture then share your thoughts and opinions with the younger years and help Dr Henshaw to create a fantastic club that everyone will love to be a part of.

Talk to: Dr Henshaw All year groups Autumn (first half term) Various days HOUSE PERFORMING ARTS Hall / Drama Studio / PAR Luxton, Bolton, Hastings and Skeel! Take you pride in your House and take the lead as producers of the shows or help perform your way to victory! Singing, acting, dancing, and even stand-up comedy - anything goes in the battle to win the covered prize of winning the House Performing Arts. Let battle commence!

Talk to: Your Head of House All year groups All year Friday 2.00 - 2.40pm KNIT AND NATTER Library Helping at Knit and Natter is not just about untangling balls of wool! Help untangle the mysteries of life with younger girls and be on hand to have a friendly chat at this club.

Talk to: Miss Lewis All year groups All year Tuesday 1.45 - 2.15pm MANGA CLUB Library Classroom 2 volunteers per term/half term Help increase younger girls’ interest and enthusiasm for all things Manga. Support their artistic work, ideas and answer questions they might have about the subject.

Talk to: Ms Broomfield Years 10 and 11 Autumn term D2 PROJECT 10 (NCH) Could you help younger girls from Year 10 and 11 to turn £10 into a fortune in just eight weeks? The teams will compete against nine other schools in the regional final and support the Nottingham Children’s Hospital in the process. If you think you have what it takes to build and lead younger students to build a brilliant, profit making business in a short period of time then join Project 10!

Talk to: Mr Swales

Years 8 - 11 All year Friday 1.45 - 2.15pm QUIZZERS Library Classroom 1 or 2 volunteers please Take on the role of Stephen Fry as Quiz Master or help support Mrs Broomfield with preparation and training for the younger years for the big quiz championships.

Talk to: Ms Broomfield Years 7 and 8 All year Tuesday 1.45 - 2.15pm SCIENCE CLUB Milford Laboratories Enthusiastic Sixth form volunteers needed to help run Science Club for interested Year 7 and 8 pupils. The Science club will run on Tuesday lunchtime each week and will cover exciting activities such as fire writing, making sparklers, light up snowmen, hot air balloons, barn owl visit, heart dissections, exploring wild life and building bird boxes. Come along and share your passion for all things Science!!

Talk to: Mrs Burton / Mrs Hurst / Mrs Orr All year groups SIXTH FORM MENTORING Be a fantastically helpful A Level student and volunteer to help younger girls with any tricky problems that may come their way. A little help goes a long way!

Talk to: Mrs Handford-Smith YEARS 7 - 9 BUDDYING Want to help Year 7 to 9 form groups to bond, make new friends and have some fun?

Volunteer to be a Buddy and organise half termly activities for them. Why not try a Christmas Quiz or an Easter Egg Hunt? This will allow you to improve your leadership skills and engage with younger year groups.

Talk to: Mrs Shipman

REACHING OUTSIDE SCHOOL Giving your time to others is often a mutually rewarding experience. Many Sixth Formers help at charity shops or give back to the community in other ways. The opportunities below are organised directly by school.

AUTISM EAST MIDLANDS One week During the summer holiday Autism East Midlands, formally NORSACA (Nottingham Regional Society for Autistic Children and Adults), runs a summer school for autistic children. Sixth Form students help provide an enjoyable, memorable experience for participants. www.norsaca.org.uk Talk to: Mrs Flewitt / Mrs Handford-Smith CASTLETON WEEKEND Summer term Take some time away from Nottingham and head off to the beautiful Peak District on a volunteering weekend with local city primary school children.

Talk to: Mr Denyer CHRISTMAS PARTY

Autumn December (second half term) Senior Hall Santa Claus is coming to town! A Christmas party for senior citizens is held each year in school, with Sixth Formers looking after the guests, entertaining them with music and song and ensuring that they have a lively and varied afternoon.

Talk to: Dr Henshaw VOLUNTEERING IN A Autumn and Spring term P5 and LEAD ACADEMY PRIMARY potentially after school SCHOOL Throughout the year Sixth Form students visit a local primary school and work with individual students in a class - listening to them read or helping them with an activity, for example. This helps the children learn and provides them with a role model. Creating an after school club, eg. football, netball, crafts, codebreaking, for 16 children is particularly desired by the schools.

Limited places.

Talk to: Mrs Wharton-Howett

NOTTINGHAM WOMEN’S All year CENTRE The Centre plays a huge role in supporting Nottingham women from all backgrounds and you are able to volunteer at a time that is mutually convenient on existing projects such as the Library refurbishment, Nottingham Women’s Exhibition or a new project if you establish that there is a need.

Talk to: Mrs Wharton-Howett NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY All year 4.00 - 6.00pm POTENTIAL LEARNING CENTRE VOLUNTEERING (Application process) Volunteer after school once per week with primary aged children at the Nottingham University Potential Centres around the city to help improve their maths and literacy skills and work with the university to help improve their prospects and aspirations of studying at university in later life.

Application process.

Talk to: Mrs Wharton-Howett OUTREACH Various Volunteers to work with children from Years 3 to 6 from local primary schools. We offer opportunities supporting the Key Stage 2 curriculum and enrichment activities in which they would not normally be able to participate.

It may be helping out at event in held at NGHS or going into schools with our staff for pop up sessions, both one off ’s or series of sessions. You may wish to join in with subjects of interest to you (eg. science, maths, drama, languages etc) or a hobby or topic you enjoy. If you have a particular idea, we are always open to suggestions to make these events fun and exciting.

Examples of previous events we have held: Dyslexia awareness day, Story telling, Winter Wonderland, STEM challenge day, Science days, Grimm’s Fairy tales language day.

Talk to: Miss Taylor RS IN THE COMMUNITY DAY Support Year 9 in their inaugural day working with charities and organisations within the local community to provide words of encouragement, advice and a friendly face if things don’t go exactly to plan!

Talk to: Mrs Silito V INSPIRED AWARDS Volunteering is good! Volunteering within or outside of school may be recorded through your VInspired personal page to log your hours and evidence and work towards the UCAS endorsed V10,50, 100, 250 and 500 certificates. The certificates are a fantastic way to show that you care about the wider society so get those hours logged!

Talk to: Mrs Wharton-Howett

STRETCHING YOUR THINKING We offer a variety of lunchtime enrichment opportunities for you to hear about and discuss aspects of curriculum subjects at a level beyond Sixth Form requirements.

All year groups Starting November Every lunctime ART - OPEN STUDIO after half term South Studio Art rooms are open every lunchtime for you to come and finish off any work, do your homework, or just come and draw and practice your skills.

Talk to: Miss Fruin CREATIVE WRITING

Wednesdays 1.45 - 2.45pm Library Classroom Discuss, edit and develop your own creative writing with other enthusiastic writers. You choose the focus of your work and have the chance to be part of the NGHS Anthology and enter literary competitions.

Talk to: Ms Broomfield / Mr Brown / Ms Taylor NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YOUNG WOMEN The Suffragettes fought hard for it and the National Council of Women are still promoting the equality of women and their rights. Join women of all ages and girls from other schools in debates, seminars and workshops to share your views on the issues that you think affect women in this day and age.

Talk to: Ms Davis Follow us on Twitter: @ NGHSgirlsNCYW

SCIENCE IN SOCIETY Thursday 2.00 - 2.45pm Analyse contemporary issues involving science and technology and communicate your scientific appreciation and understanding to others.

An ideal short course to broaden the curriculum for those whose interests lie mainly in the arts or humanities and give those studying science the opportunity to reflect on their specialist studies in a wider context.

Topics under discussion would depend on the interests of the group. For example: ethical issues in medicine, radiation risks, energy futures, reproductive choices.

Talk to: Miss Dunn

WHOLE SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES There are both elected and voluntary roles which allow Sixth Formers to give something back to the school community. We hope that you will enjoy the responsibilities which these opportunities bring.

HEAD GIRL AND DEPUTIES May 2016 - May 2017 Various The Head Girl and her Deputies are an important part of school life. All posts are elected by members of the Sixth Form and the teaching staff. All roles involve: • representing the School at prizegiving, alumnae events, open mornings, concerts, open evenings and other school events • leading discussions about the running of the Sixth Form • liaising with the Head and also with the Head of Sixth Form and her deputy • being an ambassador for the School • participating in the GDST Young Leaders Conference in September The Head Girl also organises a number of School or Sixth Form events and leads the activity of the Prefect Committee.

The Deputy Head Girls also organise charity activities, liaise with staff and deputise for the Head Girl as required.

Talk to: Mrs Flewitt / Mrs Handford-Smith

PREFECT TEAM

May 2016 - May 2017

Various

This includes: • helping with prizegiving, alumnae events, open mornings, concerts, open evenings and other school events • participating in discussions about the running of the Sixth Form • liaising with the Headmistress and also with the Head of Sixth Form and her deputy • taking an active role in promoting charity work within school and collecting charity money each week from all forms • representing the Sixth Form at School Council meetings • organising balls • arranging tours for visitors • being an ambassador for the School Talk to: Mrs Flewitt / Mrs Handford-Smith HOUSE CAPTAINS May 2016 - May 2017 Various Your responsibilities would include: • organising and taking part in House events • helping the Head of House and address House meetings regularly • participating in and chairing (when appropriate) weekly meetings with the Heads of House and other House Captains • ensuring that lively information about House events is displayed on the House notice board and published in assemblies • producing minutes (when appropriate) for the weekly House meetings • ensuring that the House makes a lively contribution to the annual school magazine • liaising with the House representatives in all areas of House business, in a friendly and approachable way • helping make decisions in the running of the Houses • liaising and working with the rest of the House team You will need to be enthusiastic, reliable, committed and well organised, with a good sense of humour.

Heads of House: Miss Abbott (Bolton); Mrs Wharton-Howett (Luxton); Mr Hiebert (Skeel); Mrs Skinner (Hastings) Talk to: Your Head of House PERFORMING ARTS AMBASSADORS All year Various Have you an interest in the Performing Arts? Are you a good communicator? If you are enthusiastic, reliable, committed with a good sense of humour. We need you.

Talk to: Mrs Soar

ICT ANGELS All year tbc A highly responsible post to assist with IT events in both the Senior and Junior school. Be part of a dynamic team and help to create and run workshops, assemblies and tutor-time activities. You will be expected to take a lead role in raising awareness of digital citizenship and e-responsibility and lead by good example. Want to learn new skills such as the basics of programming? This year we are going to run a computing club course and will be having fun with our lovely Raspberry Pis! We are also looking for ways to network outside School and within the community to promote enjoyable use of ICT. Join us and get your geek on!

Talk to: Mrs Charlton CHARITY AMBASSADORS All year Various Ambassadors are required to assist with fundraising and volunteering events within school and the local community, liaise with external charities and charity representatives in lower years and hold charity board committees with the support of the Deputy Head Girl and Mrs Wharton-Howett.

Talk to: Mrs Wharton-Howett EVENTS AMBASSADORS All year Various Throughout the year we hold many events, including open days, information evenings, career events, and music and drama productions. The Head Girl team play an active role in assisting at some events, but we always on the lookout for additional help. If you are enthusiastic, reliable, committed with a good sense of humour. We need you.

Talk to: Mrs Crisp / Miss McAdam SCHOOL COUNCIL Half termly Various Individuals are required to run school council sub groups including Teaching and Learning, Digital Smarties, Rewards, Food and Catering, Enrichment, Performing Arts Centre.

Year 12 will be responsible for agenda, minutes and actions and reporting back to key staff members.

Talk to: Mrs Handford-Smith

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Opportunities available to Sixth Form related to careers vary widely from year to year and we always try and make good use of anything suitable that comes our way. The list below illustrates the range of opportunities available. If you need careers advice or just want to chat through your ideas for the future, please see Mrs Hansford in the Careers Room.

CAREERS EVENINGS Year 12 and 13 girls are invited to the themed careers evenings, which happen each year. Recent evenings include: • ‘Health and Caring Professions’. This event focussed on allied health professionals rather than on those who had studied medicine or nursing. Guest speakers included a physiotherapist, a clinical psychologist, a consultant clinical scientist, a professor of mental health, a veterinary surgeon, a midwife and a dental surgeon.

• ‘Money, Money, Money’ gave an insight into careers in the financial industry, including fundraising for charitable purposes, and involved a panel of high profile speakers.

• ‘Hard Hats and Habitats’ involved speakers ranging from Engineering and Ecology to Architecture and Landscape Architecture • ‘Leading with Languages’. Participants heard from speakers who had specialised in Modern Foreign Languages at degree level and how it had given them the edge in their career paths.

CAREERS FAIR Every two years we hold a Careers Fair. We invite a large number of universities including Oxford and Cambridge plus representatives covering a wide range of careers areas from midwifery to engineering to furniture design.

NOMURA INVESTMENT BANK GDST works in partnership with international investment bank Nomura, to help Sixth Form students learn about the varied careers within the financial sector, not just within banking, but in all areas of a large business. With the increasing value and relevance of work experience before university, and employers seeking graduates who have undertaken internships, these opportunities provide students with the chance to become both more informed and to stand out from the crowd.

INTRODUCTION TO BANKING Nomura host an annual Insight Day for around 40 GDST students in Year 12, held at their headquarters in London. The day offers a varied programme helping students get an overview of banking, see the work place including the trading floor, and learn about vital employability skills, applications and CVs. How to apply: Application is internal via Head of Sixth Form or Careers. Students in Year 12 will be advised when Nomura are accepting names, and how to put themselves forward. Applications usually open in autumn term of Year 12.

FIRST STEP PROGRAM Designed as a natural follow-on from the Introduction to Banking Day, First-Step is an intensive three day program open to students in Year 12 or Year 13. The program is open to students across the UK (not just GDST schools) however Nomura reserve a number of places for GDST each year. This special scheme is aimed at giving students a fuller understanding of all areas of the business, as well as developing vital transferable skills.

How to apply: Application is internal via Head of Sixth Form or Careers. Students in Years 12 and 13 will be advised when Nomura are accepting applications. Applications usually open in autumn term or early spring term.

NOMURA PRIZE GDST is also grateful to Nomura for sponsoring the annual Nomura prize, which goes to one student a year. The winning student is given the opportunity to attend a two week women’s immersion program at Nomura during their first year at university.

OTHER INSIGHT DAYS GDST works closely with leading companies to offer an exclusive insight into their world of work, previous Insight days have been offered by PwC, Rolls Royce, Nomura investment bank, Aberdeen Asset Management and Ericsson. Watch out for details from either Head of Sixth Form or Head of Careers.

THE GDST ALUMNAE NETWORK The GDST Alumnae Network is an active community of over 65,000 former students and staff of the 24 schools and two academies of the GDST. It’s the biggest network of its kind in the country.

It brings together alumnae based in the UK and overseas, making connections, sharing news, passing on careers and university expertise, hosting professional and social events, and helping alums link to old and new friends alike - from their old schools and from others. More and more employers expect graduates to have some sort of work experience when they apply for their first role. Therefore students should be thinking about building their CV and securing as many opportunities as possible from Sixth Form onwards.

If you are in Sixth Form at a GDST school, an under-graduate or recent graduate and are struggling to secure work experience, the Alumnae network may be able to help you via an alumna who can sometimes offer a few days informal shadowing or work experience. More information and application forms can be submitted through the website at http://www.gdst.net/2251/alumnae/university-andcareers/work-experience/ MOCK INTERVIEWS Whatever your choice of career, an interview is an almost inevitable feature of your journey. All Year 12 students are offered a mock interview with a member of staff. This will give you the chance to practise answering typical questions and to receive feedback on your answers. In Year 13, those who expect a selection interview as part of their application are offered a further practice interview with an expert from outside school.

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE - HOW TO APPLY Girls interested in applying to Oxford and Cambridge are invited to attend an evening presentation by speakers from Oxford and Cambridge University. They learn about life at Oxford and Cambridge, the application process, admissions tests, interview skills and how to choose a college.

Dr Henshaw is the Oxbridge Coordinator.

UCAS CONFERENCE In preparation for university applications, Year 12 girls participate in a UCAS conference in school towards the end of the summer term. The conference aims to demystify the UCAS process, covering: • interview techniques • how to write a strong personal statement • choosing the right course and the right university • student finance • applying for particular courses and universities: art and design, law, medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, Oxbridge • specific subject related sessions tailored to the most popular degree choices within your year group There is, of course, the chance for you to ask questions of the speakers and facilitators. This includes representatives from various universities, subjects and organisations, some of our own staff and a few of those who have already gone through the process. The conference should help you to approach your application for further study with confidence. It is supported by a UCAS evening for parents in the preceding autumn term which seeks to ensure that your parents understand the UCAS process and the decisions you will be making.

COMPETITIONS Whenever we receive invitations to participate in competitions which we think may interest you, we will circulate the details. Some in which we regularly participate are the following:

BIOLOGY OLYMPIAD The British Biology Olympiad (BBO) is an annual competition for post-16 students. The BBO aims to challenge and stimulate gifted students with an interest in Biology to expand and extend their talents.

Gold, silver and bronze medals can be achieved and are recognised at the national level. You can find out more at www.biology-olympiad.org.uk Talk to: Mrs Towle CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD (Year 13 only) This competition, run by the Royal Society of Chemistry, promotes chemistry as a relevant and exciting subject. Some recent round one questions have included the chemistry involved in ant bites, selfheating drinks, ‘tin disease’, radioisotope-based satellite heaters and thermal generators, pollution at the Taj Mahal, Agent Orange, supernovae, and ‘Nanoputian’ molecules. There are more details at www.rsc.org/olympiad Talk to: Dr Critchley CIPHER CHALLENGE Have you heard of Bletchley Park or seen the film Enigma? If you enjoy cracking codes and ciphers, then this challenge is for you. It is run by the University of Southampton and is open to all school students. The challenges are published on the Cipher Challenge website at 3.15pm on a Thursday according to the schedule. Inevitably, they become tougher as the competition goes on. Your solution has to be submitted before the next challenge has been published. You can work as a team or as an individual. www.cipher.maths.soton.ac.uk Talk to: Miss Taylor

ESU SCHOOLS MACE COMPETITION The ESU (English Speaking Union) Schools Mace competition is a national debating contest in which students debate a variety of social, political scientific and philosophical ideas. The regional heats take place somewhere between December and February and the national final is held in London in May or June. The winners of the Schools Mace are invited to take part in an international debating competition.

Talk to: Mr Brown UK LINGUISTICS OLYMPIAD UKLO is an annual competition for students post-16 in which they have to solve linguistic data problems. It aims to extend understanding of, and thinking around, language issues and would be suitable for students interested in English or foreign languages to develop their understanding. Bronze, Silver and Gold awards can be won at Advanced level. For more information, see http://www.uklo.org/ Talk to: Miss Furness POETRY BY HEART

Autumn and Spring term

A national competition for students in Years 10 to 13. Entrants memorise and recite poems from the Poetry By Heart Anthology in front of a panel of judges - two for the in-school heat in November and then three for the Nottingham final in January. Winners from the County Finals will go through to the National Finals on 17 - 19 March. More information can be found at www.poetrybyheart.org.uk Talk to: Ms Broomfield and Mr Brown SHEFFIELD POPMATHS QUIZ This annual team quiz is held at Sheffield Hallam University in March; teams take part in groups of up to six. We have been placed in the top three schools competing when we last attended and hope to achieve first place in the coming year! www.popmaths.com Talk to: Miss Taylor UKMT TEAMS MATHS CHALLENGE

Autumn term

Thursday ME4 The UKMT Team Maths Challenge is for all students from Year 7 to 13. Not only is it fun, it also gives you the chance to develop mathematical dexterity, team working and communication skills with the opportunity to compete against pupils from other schools in our region. Over the last few years the teams have been very successful. Top scoring teams from the regional events are invited to compete at a one-day National Final held in London.

Activities include: • group competition • crossnumber • mathematical relay race Talk to: Mrs Dorrian

YOUNG SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR The National Science Competition seeks to find the UK Young Scientist of the Year and the UK Young Technologist of the Year. The award in science is given for achievements focused on discovery, exploration and explanation in the sciences (natural, medical and social) and mathematics. To enter, you need to have completed an activity, project or piece of research which is heavily based on a science, technology, engineering or mathematics theme. You can complete this on your own or as part of a team, showing that you made a unique and major input. In 2009, Imogen Barker reached the National Finals and was highly commended for her investigation into lip plumping technology.

Talk to: TARGET TWO POINT ZERO (selection process) Target 2.0 is also known as the Bank of England / Times Interest Rate Challenge and is the national monetary policy competition for schools and colleges. It gives teams of students aged 16 to 18 the chance to take on the role of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, assess economic conditions and the outlook for inflation and tell panels of judges what interest rate they would set to achieve the Government’s inflation target of 2.0%. We have met with considerable success in this competition in the past. Look at the competition’s website at www.bankofengland.co.uk/education/ targettwopointzero Talk to: Mr Swales and Mr Jones NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS These occur throughout the year such as the Shanghai University two week project. Two of our girls won last year and had a spectacular time studying in Hong Kong on the all-expenses paid programme.

Details of such competitions are emailed to girls on a weekly basis.

Talk to: Mrs Flewitt / Mrs Handford-Smith SAATCHI AND SAATCHI ART COMPETITION See website for more details

Annual

Entries in by December 2015

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